Film #078 - It’s A Mad Mad Mad World Too (1992)
Viewed March 19, 2006
It’s A Mad Mad Mad World Too (original title Fu gui huang jin wu) is the fourth of the “Mad Mad Mad World” films that chronicle the trials and tribulations of the Biu family as they cope with the problems life brings them.
In ‘Too’, the family finds it difficult to continue in the small apartment that now houses father Bill (Bill Tung), mother Mrs. Bill (Lydia Sum), eldest daughter Da-Dai (Elsie Chan) and her new husband, middle daughter Wai-Dai (Loletta Lee) and youngest daughter played by Pauline Kwan. Setting out to find a new home, they eventually settle into a comfortable condominium, but find themselves in danger when a greedy developer enlists the Triad gang to force them to sell at a low price.
What follows is a fairly typical, wacky comedy filled with houshold hijinx. For example, in their first home, no one in supposed to slam the door because it makes bits of the ceiling fall down (usually into food). Most of the humor comes from things like that, or from standard misunderstandings and confusions. There are a few risque plot elements, such as the father-to-be’s old mainland girlfriend (a prostitute) harrassing him and the conclusion shows the potential for real violence (none actually materializes), but there’s nothing to really make this inappropriate for most audiences.
Given that this is their fourth film as an ensemble, the cast is very comfortable with each other. They play off each other well and their timing of jokes is impeccable. They also convey ture affection for each other, even when they are feuding. It is obvious that these actors liked each others’ company.
It’s A Mad Mad Mad World Too is formulaic, but it’s a formula that has stood the test of time. There are plenty of good jokes, comfortable and appealing performances, and a good, old fashined happy ending. Can’t really expect or hope for more.